A man accused of participating in the January 6, 2021,Insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was arrested with 400 rounds of ammunition, two firearms, explosive materials and a machete in his van near former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle’s home, reports NBC News.
Taylor Taranto, a Navy veteran, was discovered near the Obama’s residence on June 29, 2023, after receiving their address from former President Donald Trump, who shared it using screenshots on his Truth Social platform. Taranto reposted Trump’s post to his own account
Livestreaming his activities, the suspect bragged about being in proximity to the former first couple’s residence and wanting to interview John Podesta, a former White House Chief of Staff.
“We got these losers surrounded,” Taranto said in the video. “See you in hell, Podesta’s and Obama’s!”
“I’m outside Barack Obama’s house,” he continued
It is not known if the Barack Obama and Michelle were home at the time of the incident.
Taranto was detained by Secret Service officers and was charged as a fugitive from justice although the officials didn’t specify the underlying details of the case.
Following the arrest, D.C. law enforcement dispatched a specialized unit to investigate Taranto’s van, near the location of his arrest.
In a statement, the police said, “There is no active threat to the community and this incident remains under investigation.”
The legal troubles for Taranto continue to add up. He and another man are being sued by Erin Smith, the wife of D.C. police officer Jeffrey Smith, who committed suicide nine days after the Capitol insurrection and was ruled a line-of-duty death. According to the civil suit, the plaintiff claims that Taranto handed a cane or a crowbar to his co-defendant, who used the weapon to strike Smith in the face.
Per the report, Taranto has no permanent address and is reportedly living out of his van. He is a resident of the state of Washington, officials determined
Taranto will remain in custody until his hearing in Washington, D.C. on July 5, 2023.
